Find out how titles are organized and how they influence the lives of British royalty.

Kings, queens, earls, dukes, barons&mdash;the titles of <a href="https://www.lofficiel.co.uk/pop-culture/prince-harry-charles-meghan-who-is-the-most-popular">members of the British royal family</a> are organized through a hierarchy, which establishes the role of each noble along with their responsibility as representatives of the crown at events. Recently, Buckingham Palace updated Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's titles to reflect their "birthright" status as the grandchildren of a monarch. However, their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are also the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.&nbsp;
In case you find it all a bit confusing,&nbsp;L'OFFICIEL&nbsp;has compiled a list of the main titles, their meanings, and how they rank.&nbsp;

1. King / Queen
These titles correspond to the heads of state of the monarchy. The UK's parliamentary constitutional monarchy system does not allow them governmental power but places them as symbols of national unity. The line of succession to the throne follows the rule of heredity. The male gender is no longer a criterion for the occupation of this place since the law was sanctioned in 2011.

2. Queen Consort
The law states that only men can give the title of consort to their wives, as a way of protecting the royal line. This is why Prince Philip did not become king, despite being married to Queen Elizabeth II. However, when King Charles took the throne, he announced that his wife, Camilla, would take the title of Queen Consort.

3. Prince / Princess of Wales
Prince of Wales is the title always granted by the monarch to their eldest son, recognized as heir to the throne. Wives are recognized as Princesses of Wales through marriage. When <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/prince-charles-coronation-king-charles-iii-details-date" target="_blank" rel="noopener">King Charles</a> was still Prince of Wales, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/prince-charles-camilla-parker-bowels-royals-scandal-diana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Camilla</a> did not use the title out of respect for <a href="https://www.lofficiel.co.uk/film-tv/kristen-stewart-is-lady-diana-princess-diana-in-spencer-new-film-royal-family">Princess Diana,</a>&nbsp;for whom the honor was maintained even after her separation from Charles. Now, the Prince and Princess of Wales titles have been passed down to Prince William and Kate.

4. Prince / Princess
This title is given to sons and grandsons of all reigning and previous British monarchs, granted by the current monarch. In a 2012 charter, Queen Elizabeth II declared that all the children of the Duke of Cambridge were to be known as princes and princesses. Recently, after months of speculation, the <a href="https://www.royal.uk/succession" target="_blank" rel="noopener">royal website</a> updated the titles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children, promoting them to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In a statement, the couple wrote, "The children&rsquo;s titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch," before adding, "This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace."

5. Duke / Duchess
Among the five echelons of the nobility, which also include the titles of marquis, earl, viscount, and baron, the highest is the title of Duke, which can be inherited paternally or given by the reigning monarch.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/prince-william-sang-on-stage-taylor-swift-jon-bon-jovi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prince William</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/young-prince-harry-real-father-last-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prince Harry</a> were named by Queen Elizabeth II as Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex, respectively, shortly after their weddings.

6. Earl / Countess
This title, of middle nobility, is granted to advisors and friends of the king. Historically it was given to those who were the principal figures of their counties. It is also a title that can be inherited.&nbsp;

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 7. Viscount / Viscountess
 They replace the earls in case of absence. Since the 10th century, the title has been granted to the children of earls. This is the case for James, Viscount de Severn, son of Prince Edward&mdash;also Earl of Wessex. As a monarch's grandson, James could also be a Prince, however, his parents asked for approval from Queen Elizabeth II so that he could receive the title as the son of an Earl.
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What Do the Main Titles of The Royal Family Mean?

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